I-70 reopened after semi-trailer fire

Traffic had been diverted onto surrounding highways

One lane of westbound traffic on Interstate 70 west of K-99 highway in Wabaunsee and Riley counties was reopened to traffic about 8:05 a.m. Saturday after a semi-trailer fire had shut down that portion of the highway, authorities said.

Kansas Department of Transportation spokeswoman Kimberly Qualls said the semi fire had been put out by 8 a.m. and crews were clearing the rig from the highway. Once the semi is removed, Qualls said, the other westbound lane on I-70 will be reopened.

The estimated time for both lanes to be open is 8:30 a.m.

Both lanes of westbound traffic had been closed since around 7 a.m. after a semi-trailer fire at mile marker 318 in Riley County.

During the closure, westbound traffic was diverted north on K-99 highway to US-24 highway, west to K-177 highway, then south to I-70.

Kansas Highway Patrol officials said there were no injuries in the fire.